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Our movie guy, James Finnegan, says there’s a mix of new releases and old favourites at the Omniplex this week…
I am delighted to say that there are not only one, but two, new releases available this week at the Tralee Omniplex. Even better, one of them is an Irish feature!
Broken Law is a new variation on the different paths taken by two brothers Dave (Tristan Heanue) and Joe (Graham Earley).
Dave is a Garda, currently on Traffic duties, struggling to get on the property ladder, as his overtime is not keeping up with his increasing rent.
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Joe, his brother, has just completed a prison term. Two pals, Pete (Ryan Lincoln) and Wallace (John Collins) are awaiting him at the gates for a celebration of his freedom, rather than letting him go straight and head home to his mother (Ally Ni Chiarein), widowed since her husband, also a Garda, was killed in the line of duty.
Pete and Wallace have a job lined up in which they want Joe to take part. The target is a local Bank where, unfortunately, Dave is a customer.
Another notable performance is that of Gemma-Leah Deveraux, as Amia, the Bank Clerk who gets involved with the brothers, although in truth all the performances are really very, very good.
Broken Law.
However, this is not a simple black and white, two sides of the same coin type of story. There is nuance and resonance in this relationship between the two brothers, and played well between the two actors.
I may be the only person left in the country that has yet to see Love/Hate, but I imagine this would have a familiar vibe to that production.
Certainly the Dublin locations and banter give this production a very contemporary Ireland feel.
The action scenes and chase sequences stand comparison with the big Hollywood action films and all the resources they can call upon.
The film is fast paced, with great energy and inventiveness. The script is funny, real, and can be forgiven for the slight lapse towards serial soap at times.
I want to give a big shout out to writer, producer and director Paddy Slattery, who has been making high quality short films, notably “Sojourn”, “Runner”, “A Break in the Clouds” and “Skunky Dog” as well as music videos for some time now.
Bringing this film, his first feature, has taken dedication, persistence and a combination of beg, borrow and crowd funding.
He, and all involved in this production are to be warmly congratulated and I look forward to future features from this talented and inventive film maker, especially if he gets the budgets given to films far less deserving. I strongly urge you to support this Irish production.
The other new release Unhinged but unfortunately it’s being shown after my deadline for this column. It stars Russell Crowe as a guy giving a whole new meaning to road rage.
Other films being shown include Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the real life/animatronics’ version of The Lion King, and Black Panther.
Tickets must be booked online, and there are special price offers available. Enjoy and stay safe.
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